A rare collection of 1980s pop music memorabilia is being auctioned off in Manchester.
Vintage equipment, vinyl and even clothing relating to cult electro band Depeche Mode will go under the hammer in Hulme.
The vast collection, more than 400 lots, belongs to the band’s former keyboard player Alan Wilder. The entire memorabilia could fetch up to £200,000.
Fans from as far a field as Germany and Sweden have expressed an interest in bidding, according to Sale-based Omega Auctions.
Highlights of the sale include the actual drum kit used during Depeche Mode’s Devotional tour in 1993.
Clothing worn by band members, videos, rare vinyl and a vintage Knight Gretsch guitar used by founder member and lyricist Martin Gore also feature.
The auction will be held at the Zion Arts Centre on Stretford Road on September 3.
Wilder, 52, who left Depeche Mode in 1995, said the collection spanned his entire musical career – before, during and after his association with the band.
It is the largest ever mass collection and sale relating to Depeche Mode and fans can bid for items live over the internet at the auction.
Wilder, now writing and composing for his musical project Recoil, said the auction arose from a New Year Resolution to reorganise his studio.
He said: “My needs have altered a bit since laptops and soft synthesisers have come to the fore and even though I’m emotionally attached, passing on some vintage gear and historical items seemed like a good way to start.
“Since my teenage years I’ve been an avid collector of interesting and unique musical items.
“I decided that since I was having a clear out, why not include some extra memorabilia and pass on some of the stuff I have collected over the years, like gold and platinum award discs, leather clothing, rare acetates and test pressings, artwork, posters and tour merchandise.
“The actual sorting and cataloguing process brought back great memories and I was able to re-live some key moments, which I had inevitably forgotten about, reminding me of how lucky I have been to have enjoyed such a career, doing something I’m passionate about.”
Depeche Mode had 48 singles chart in the UK – including Just Can’t Get Enough, Everything Counts, Personal Jesus and Enjoy the Silence – and have sold more than 100 million album and singles worldwide.
Depeche Mode lots being tested on internet auction site eBay – including drum sticks and albums – have already attracted huge sums.
Wilder is due to attend the auction in person and the entire catalogue is available to view at the arts centre on September 2, the day before the sale.
Auctioneer Paul Fairweather said: “I am a huge fan myself and it will be a privilege to sell the items on Alan’s behalf. It is a unique collection.”
A similar auction of memorabilia relating to famed Salford rock band Joy Division is also being planned.
For details visit www.omega auctions.co.uk.
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You make it sound like Depeche Mode are no longer around. They are very much around. In 2009, Sounds of the Universe was No 2 in the UK album charts and No 1 in many countries around the world, and the resulting tour saw the band playing in front of 2.7 million people in 102 shows in 32 countries over ten months. Still very much alive, and unlike many '80's' bands currently around, Depeche Mode never went away.
Enjoy the silence..God love that song.....................
Wow this is awesome! Wish I was there and had the do$h!!! Great band DM.
The currenty 80s bands spin out tired old singles whilst DM continue to create original music, they don't need a package tour to fill out arenas and stadiums across the world.
Long live DM!
Everything counts in large amounts
Have I missed something? How come the auction's taking place up here?
Saw DM live about five years ago. Surprisingly brilliant!
You left the band. WRONG!
You sell your life away because you're skint. In the mean time Depeche Mode are doing great!
Reach out and touch faith!
Alan has his reasons for doing this and you can't judge it until you have been in his shoes, He is going through a period of change in his life and this is just what he feels he needs to do to move forward I guess, he is still very successful in what he puts his hands to, It's sad to see them being broken up and I don't think he should sell the Emulator but I wish him the best of luck with things. I also hope it is mainly fans who get to own these things so it is truly appreciated x
I sometimes wonder if Depeche Mode are the best kept secret in music; a British band who still sell millions of records worldwide, can fill venues the size of Milan's San Siro and yet are referred to in the past tense by a major regional newspaper. I honestly think if I told my work colleagues I'd been to watch them perform on the same bill as Nik Kershaw in the back room of my local pub nobody would bat an eyelid.